Goblins — Excerpts from Archmagi Marvin Gamble's "Compendium of Sapient Races"

Goblinoid

Society

Goblin communities organize under individual leaders called "Bosses" who establish and enforce rules, with exile as punishment for disobedience. Raiding settlements and scavenging from battlefields constitute their primary activities. Weaker clans frequently follow orc warbands to collect abandoned supplies and sustenance after combat.

Every seven years, goblins experience a compelling biological drive to congregate. They term this gathering a "Family Reunion," though outsiders recognize it as "the Great Raid." This event involves tens of thousands assembling globally and culminates in a stampede toward the nearest settlement. Research from the College of Magi indicates this functions as population control, with approximately 40% of participants typically dying during the raid's duration.

Goblins inhabit diverse environments worldwide—mountains, deserts, caverns, and urban sewers—adapting readily to each. Recent cultural developments suggest some goblin groups are pursuing more civilized practices and engaging in trade, though whether this represents mimicry or genuine societal advancement remains unclear.

Lifespan

"All recorded deaths of goblins have been in battle and it is unknown when they start to succumb to the ills of old age." Many do not reach adulthood.

Subraces

Grotlings

Standard goblins measure between 3 and 4 feet tall with pointed ears and teeth. Aging produces increasingly prominent facial features in elders. Coloration varies from green to yellow, brown, and rarely red.

Hobgoblin

Approximately one in one thousand goblins develops into a hobgoblin. These individuals grow substantially taller—between 5.5 and 7.5 feet—and typically assume leadership roles through physical dominance.

Norbols

These northern-climate goblins maintain standard goblin height but possess soft fur covering and coloring ranging from white to blue. Their notably large eyes create discomfort in observers. "A warning about Norbols, they are not pets and in no way can be house trained."